On Saturday, The L1nKn P4rk Experience came to Saltbox in Nottingham to dazzle us with their incredible tribute performance to the iconic rock band Linkin Park…
Kicking off the evening was Firmament UK, a rising five-member metal group from Nottingham. By blending a variety of influences from the broader rock landscape, they present a modern and innovative interpretation of metal.
When I talked to the band prior to their performance, they expressed their enthusiasm about it being their 12th show and were truly delighted by the amazing attendance at Saltbox. If you haven’t seen Firmament UK perform live yet, I strongly suggest it—they’re an up-and-coming band to keep an eye on this year. Their performance was exhilarating, filled with enthusiasm and fervor as they gave everything on the stage.
The evening’s second supporting act was 7eventh Sea, a skilled metal group hailing from Nottingham. As soon as they stepped onto the stage, it was evident they intended to leave a mark. The main vocalist was a true powerhouse, captivating the audience with contagious enthusiasm and charm, making everyone start headbanging almost immediately.
7eventh Sea not only infused the energy but also presented a sleek and vibrant performance that maintained the evening’s momentum. If you enjoy energetic metal with a powerful stage presence, this is certainly a band worth watching. Their music has recently been featured on Kerrang! Radio has been streamed 41,000 times across 102 different nations.
If you’re not familiar with The L1nKn P4rk Experience, allow me to transport you to just before August 2024. During that period, you might have seen a post inviting musicians to collaborate with the band on stage at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena to play iconic Linkin Park tracks. That post served as my initial introduction to The L1nKn P4rk Experience.
On August 18, 2024, they made that aspirational vision a reality. The band, accompanied by a remarkable group of 1,000 musicians, dominated the arena floor and presented an unforgettable show. It was a significant occasion, where the immense level of teamwork and enthusiasm honored the lasting impact of Linkin Park’s music in an incredible way. This amazing initiative focused on generating funds to offer free mental health counseling and support services for the alternative community. The name 1000 Lights was influenced by Linkin Park’s One More Light tour, which carries great meaning. It was while on this tour that Chester Bennington delivered his last performance with the band, taking place in the same arena just weeks prior to his heartbreaking death in 2017.
Since that time, they’ve been traveling throughout the UK, playing at different places, and we were lucky to have them visit Nottingham. This was my initial experience of their live show, and I was amazed by how accurately they replicated the sound of the original Linkin Park. Their enthusiasm for the band’s legacy and their sincere homage to the late Chester Bennington shone through in each note, creating a genuinely memorable experience.
By playing memorable songs like In the End, Numb, and Crawling, the crowd was left cheering with enthusiasm. I chatted with several attendees, some of whom had come from as distant as Birmingham and Sheffield to experience the event. It’s uncommon for a tribute band to attract such a devoted fanbase, particularly from different towns, but this highlights the significance of their influence and the dedication of their expanding supporters.
That fanbase was truly wonderful to be with—enthusiastic, encouraging, and vibrant. The band was remarkably modest and profoundly grateful for the amazing support they have gotten. Numerous fans had been attending several shows on the tour, fostering a sense of community that beautifully matched the band’s sincere performances.
I sincerely hope they come back soon, and I’m certain they can easily fill Rock City with the energy and talent they showcase on stage.
The L1nKn P4rk Experience showcased at Saltbox on January 12th, 2024.
